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In collaboration with the Dutch TSO TenneT, Energinet.dk plans to establish a 320-350 km long HVDC cable with converter stations in Endrup near Esbjerg and Eemshaven in the Netherlands. The connection is called COBRAcable.

Click to watch a videopresentation of COBRAcable project

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The purpose of COBRAcable is to improve cohesion in the European transmission grid by increasing the exchange of surplus wind power with neighbouring countries and strengthen the infrastructure, security of supply and the market.

It is our aim that the connection is based on a new rectifier technology called voltage source converter (VSC) offering the possibility of connecting new offshore wind farms to the cable. COBRAcable could as such become the first step on the road towards establishing a transmission grid in the North Sea capable of supporting wind power expansion and strengthening the European transmission grid.

The HVDC cable is designed for a voltage level of 320 kV and a transmission capacity of 700 MW. This corresponds to the production capacity of two newer power stations.

Development phaseWith a total budget of approx. DKK 4.7 billion, the project is one of Energinet.dk's large investments in the coming years. In November 2013, Energinet.dk's Supervisory Board approved the project's business case and an application for the approval from the minister for climate, energy and building has been submitted. When it is available, activities to realise the construction project are initiated.

At the beginning of 2016, we expect that all regulatory approvals are obtained, just as contracts for main components can be awarded. During the period towards 2016, requirements to technology and cable route are specified with subsequent tender procedures for cable and converters; similarly, approvals from among others the planning and environment authorities in Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands must be obtained.

With the installation of cable and converters in 2017-2018, the plant can be in operation at the beginning of 2019.

In Denmark, the project must be approved by the municipalities of Esbjerg and Fanø, Danish Nature Agency, Danish Energy Agency and the minister for climate, energy and building.

In Germany, the project must be approved by Bundesamt für Seeschiffahrt und Hydrologie (BSH), Landes Bergamt (LBEG) and Regierungsvertretung Oldenburg (Lower Saxon) as well as regional environmental and naval authorities.In the Netherlands, approval must be obtained from Økonomiministeriet and Rijkwasserstaat and others.

You can read more about the project by clicking the headlines in the left column.